extremadamente
Lemma: extremadamente
Translation: extremely; exceedingly; tremendously; utterly (adverb)
Etymology: Derived from the feminine form of the past participle 'extremado' (extreme, excessive) of the verb 'extremar' (to carry to the extreme), plus the adverbial suffix '-mente'. The root comes from Latin 'extremus' (outermost, utmost), which is the superlative form of 'exter' (external, outward). The English cognate 'extremely' follows a similar formation pattern, both conveying the sense of something being at the furthest possible point.
Example Usage
El examen fue extremadamente difícil.
The exam was extremely difficult.
Estoy extremadamente cansado después del viaje.
I am extremely tired after the trip.
La situación es extremadamente peligrosa.
The situation is extremely dangerous.
Se comportó de manera extremadamente grosera.
He behaved in an extremely rude manner.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'extreme' + '-ly' in English, which has the same meaning and similar structure.
- Visualize something at the 'extreme' end of a spectrum with the '-mente' ending telling you it's an adverb.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Widely used in both formal and informal contexts in Spanish-speaking countries. It's a common intensifier in everyday speech and writing, similar to how 'extremely' is used in English.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While both are intensifiers, 'extremadamente' emphasizes the extreme degree or limit of something, whereas 'extraordinariamente' emphasizes something unusual or exceptional.
Confused word:
El niño es extraordinariamente talentoso para su edad.
The child is extraordinarily talented for his age.
Notes: Both adverbs can sometimes be used interchangeably in casual speech, but 'extraordinariamente' often carries a more positive connotation of exceptional quality.
Mnemonic: 'Extremadamente' relates to 'extreme' (at the limit), while 'extraordinariamente' relates to 'extraordinary' (beyond ordinary).
Explanation: 'Extremadamente' is neutral and simply indicates a high degree, while 'excesivamente' implies too much of something, beyond what is necessary or desirable.
Confused word:
Come excesivamente y eso afecta su salud.
He eats excessively and that affects his health.
Notes: 'Excesivamente' carries a negative connotation of excess, while 'extremadamente' is more neutral.
Mnemonic: Think of 'excesivamente' as containing 'excess' - too much of something.